First Rule of Negotiation

[Mythsaje]

You ask for FAR more than you ever expect to get.

No matter what we try to accomplish, the Republicans (and some "centrist Dems") will oppose it. Even opening up the health care debate has them screaming "socialism!" Why not give them something to cry about?

One way to break through the obfuscation and nonsense filling the airwaves is to appeal to the American people directly. Let them know "we're going to ask for the moon. Even if we get only halfway there, at least you know you will all come out ahead." Health care? Go for the absolute best scenario one might achieve. Credit Card reform? Pick up a big stick and start swinging. Make them beg for mercy. Energy independence? Don't I remember someone talking about a renewable energy "Apollo project?" Ask for as much as one can imagine we could possibly need to help the initiative along.

I feel like we're being made into scavengers, forced to snatch up any scrap of progressive outcomes that hits the floor. What few things we've managed to get through have been bare bones, not nearly adequate enough to do anything. Folks, that's not reform. That's table scraps.

Any forward motion is going to be opposed. It's like trying to walk into a gale-force wind. So let's not walk, let's try to pole vault. Let's use a catapult. We need our representatives to act on the courage of their convictions and take big steps, not baby steps. Americans admire boldness. Even as stupid and repressive as the Bush regime was, it was bold. Brazen, even. And until its failures become too clear to ignore, the people supported it.

Why can't WE be bold? Well, our leadership, anyway. That's what we need. More than tough talk or pretty words. We need straight-shooting, visionary, and--above all BOLD--dedication to progressive ideals. Anything else is selling us short and selling the country short.

[ixion]

1. 'xactly...

well said. :applause:

[EFerrari]

2. Can't argue with that.

You always gets LESS than you ask for.

[DJ13]

3. "Why can't WE be bold?"

"One way to break through the obfuscation and nonsense filling the airwaves is to appeal to the American people directly."


Our party has the BEST orator in politics in President Obama.

If he really wanted a public option in the health care debate he could make it happen.

If

[Somawas]

5. Not until some Congressional Democrats grow a pair.

[slackmaster]

4. K&R

:kick:

[Donnachaidh]

6. it's not scavenging - the elite are tossing coins from their limos

And we're supposed to be gleeful if ANYTHING comes our way. To the point of cheerleading and waving signs, just like during the elections.

We're just the peons with long accounts at the company store. We don't COUNT to the folks in power or the corporations - unless of course THEY need cash. :shrug:

[Mythsaje]

7. Certainly another valid viewpoint... n/t

[nashville_brook]

8. amen -- they are all bought and paid for. otherwise we'd have the discussion you describe.

[Captain Hilts]

9. So, taking single payer off the table was a BAD thing to do. nt